bookgato

Palin's $12 million haul: By the numbers - The Week

2010-04-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

What an embarrassment to Alaska...
Palin's $12 million haul: By the numbers - The Week

The Old Wisdom by Jane Goodall

2009-11-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

When the night wind makes the pine trees creak
And the pale clouds glide across the dark sky,
Go out, my child, go out and seek
Your soul: the eternal I.

For all the grasses rustling at your feet
And every flaming star that glitters high
Above you, close up and meet
In you: the Eternal I.

Yes, my child, go out into the world; walk slow
And silent, comprehending all, and by and by
Your soul, the Universe, will know
Itself: the Eternal I.

lovely...

2009-10-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Cajun School Bus

2009-03-24T09:33:00.001-07:00

by Norva B. Mestayer

Are You Annoyingly Cheerful? Then, Listen Up....

2009-02-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

FDA Approves Depressant Drug For The Annoyingly Cheerful

Clinton, Obama: Why Not Both? - TIME

2008-02-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Well, this didn't but did happen, sort of. I was a firm Clinton fan and still would have been pleased if she'd been elected but I've grown to admire and like Obama. Despite the deplorable condition our economy is in (thanks in huge part to "W" and the Republicans) he seems to be on track in trying to fix things. I am hoping that things CAN be fixed before too many more people lose their jobs and investments. 2/27/09

By Michael Duffy

Here's a quick rundown of the many advantages the Democrats enjoy at this stage of the 2008 campaign. Voter turnout in most states is running well ahead of that for the gop. Democratic fund-raising continues to break all records—even those set previously by Republicans. The Democrats' issues cupboard is fuller than it has been in a decade and a half. And voters have narrowed the field to two wildly popular candidates, either of whom would make history if nominated, much less elected.

Given the embarrassment of riches, it was only a matter of time before Democratic voters looked at the choice between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and asked the question, Why not both?

That idea had been on some voters' minds even before the dream was made flesh two weeks ago in Los Angeles, where, at the end of the Kodak Theatre debate, Obama and Clinton smiled, embraced each other for more than the usual nanosecond and then seemed to whisper something knowing in each other's ear. After weeks of hand-to-hand combat and rumors of tiffs that may or may not have been real, the Hug rightly or wrongly got even more people thinking about the power of two. Even if their act was dutiful, evanescent and faked for the cameras, party regulars seemed to eat it up. It was all there: the visionary and the technician, the candidate who could inspire the masses and the candidate who could get under the sink and fix the plumbing.

For Clinton, pairing with Obama would repair some of the damage with African Americans brought on by her campaign and, at least in theory, push her husband to the sidelines. Obama, in turn, would get a mechanic to match his magic, someone who could turn his poetry into governing prose.

A new TIME poll reveals that 62% of Democrats want Clinton to put Obama on the ticket; 51% want Obama to return the favor if he is the nominee. The party's right brain and left brain, dancing together at last, right?

Unlikely Partners—for Now
Well, not exactly. It's far too early to know if Obama and Clinton could work together, though there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. While the Clinton camp saw an opportunity in the general longing of the audience—Clinton fund raiser Terry McAuliffe said on the morning of Super Tuesday that Obama has generated so much excitement, he would have to be considered for the party's vice-presidential nomination—the Obama people saw a trap. If Obama and his aides lent any credence now to the dangled notion of a partnership, they know that some of his voters might peel off, thinking a vote for Clinton was, in effect, a twofer. And that could drive down Obama's turnout. "We're not running for Vice President," said Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs.

No, and as long as Obama has a real shot at the top spot, there's no need to entertain the Veep talk. As a top Obama aide said, "That's not where this campaign's head is at." Instead, the Obama camp had been expecting the Veep proffer for weeks, just as it had expected the Clinton campaign to play the race card after New Hampshire. Obama headquarters was fully aware that the Clintons had badly overplayed their hand in the days leading up to South Carolina—so badly that Bill or Hillary would have to make some peace offering to Obama's supporters, if not to Obama himself, to heal the breach. But forgiveness, while long a staple of the Clinton narrative, isn't something the Obama team is ready to embrace. An Obama adviser put it this way: "One could argue that the Senator should not even agree to discuss an offer of the vice presidency until Senator Clinton agrees to bar her husband from the West Wing for the duration of the first term. And then once she agrees to that, he should turn it down."

More to the point, is the job of Vice President to a Clinton worth having? Al Gore learned that being No. 2 to Bill was really more like being No. 3 after you factored in Hillary, who had an office in the West Wing and a larger suite of rooms down the hall from the Veep in the Old Executive Office Building. Gore watched his priorities often take a backseat to hers in the first term—and his future run aground as they fought successfully to avoid impeachment and conviction. While she joked with David Letterman on his show that there is no doubt "who wears the pantsuits" in her house, there is little doubt that the Clintons intend to work as a team if Hillary is elected. "I'll be there, talking her through everything," Bill said in Napa Valley, Calif., last month, "like she did with me." One unaligned party wise man said, "Obama may look at the Clintons, at both of them—at that whole thing they have—and say, 'Jeez, that's just way too [messed] up to be a part of. That's just no place I want to be.'"

If Obama becomes the nominee, the arguments against teaming with the Clintons might be even stronger.Obama's defining issue in the race is not health care or the economy or even the war, where he is most distinct from his rival. It's about being new and different and not from the past; in short, about not being a Clinton. For months he has attacked Clinton for taking money from lobbyists, for flimflamming voters on her war votes and for playing race and gender cards when she fell behind. To reverse all that and join forces with the Clintons would be seen as a huge betrayal of his most galvanizing argument—as well as his character—by many of his followers. The numbers back this up. In Time's poll, 58% of Clinton backers favor bringing Obama onto the ticket; nearly the same percentage (56%) of Obama supporters favor choosing someone else.

The Shadow of History
It would be wrong to suggest that the pro-Obama sentiment is universal inside the Clinton camp. It isn't difficult to find those allied with Clinton who believe that Obama would make an underwhelming vice-presidential nominee. Clinton, they say, will want an attack dog both on the trail and as Vice President—a role Obama is ill suited for and uncomfortable assuming. Plus, the states he could deliver she could win on her own.

But what really worries Clinton loyalists is that Obama lacks their, well, loyalty. Running her campaign are a host of aides who have worked for the Clintons before, been fired or been kicked aside and yet keep coming back, decade after decade, to help. That's how the Clintons define loyalty. That pattern may explain why there are those in Clintonland who think Obama has wronged her over the course of the campaign simply because he took her on.

Against all the mutual animus and anger, however, stands a lot of history. And history suggests a deal later is possible, if not likely, whatever the insiders may think now. More often than not, winners in both parties reach out to losers—or at least contemplate an overture—when the time comes to put a broken party back together. John Kennedy tapped Lyndon Johnson in 1960, though the two men were like oil and water. Ronald Reagan named George H.W. Bush in 1980, though they never became very close. Walter Mondale gave a man he resented, Gary Hart, a good look in 1984, before choosing Geraldine Ferraro. And John Kerry recruited his former rival John Edwards in 2004, though the hard feelings on both sides never went away. Whoever wins these primaries may have no choice but to offer it to the also-ran.

So perhaps it is wisest now to think of the Democratic primary campaign not as one race but two: the one for the delegates and the other for reconciliation. We will probably know who wins the delegate race before school is out. But it might be late summer before the parleys and the peacemaking that lead to a partnership get under way. A lot can happen in six months. The party's fortunes could dim; the hard feelings could soften. And by August, who knows? There is no telling what a Democratic nominee will need in a running mate—and vice versa. —With reporting by Jay Newton-Small/Washington

Find this article at: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1710667,00.html

Ode to Sunny

2007-12-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

His Majesty
In Memorium 12/22/07

I didn't go to the estate sale looking for a kitten but that's one of the things we came home with. Sunny actually lived next door to the sale but he and his siblings were outside on the porch and we just naturally gravitated there. Of course they needed homes we were told! As we sat on the steps playing with the kittens Sunny came up to me and promptly fell asleep on my lap. It was destiny. He is one of those great cats who knows his importance yet is generous in nature and allows his humans almost any liberty. His claws are quite sharp and used to protect his territory but never used on his people (except accidentally). He doesn't shred paper or books (unlike the other cat that lives here) so he is an ideal cat to have around. Plus he is a fairly decent vermin deterrent (the female calico was the best but she's no longer with us). Last summer he had a large abscess on one of his ears (he tends to get those protecting his turf) and he allowed us to squeeze, poke, prod and even cut it open to drain. No fuss from Sunny. He is one fine cat!

Died and gone to heaven...

2007-11-07T12:35:00.001-08:00

I don't believe it. A library even more beautiful than the last photo I posted. This is the Assemblee Nationale Library. (thanks to fiddler's green on flickr)

Bibliophile's Dream

2007-11-07T12:28:00.001-08:00

Awesome is the only word I can think of to describe this beautiful place, Victoria Library.

Like it?

2007-11-07T11:38:00.001-08:00

Leave every child behind...I'm not with stupid.

2007-10-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

This article is taken from the October 12, 2007 issue of The Conglomerate, Centenary College's weekly paper. The visual picture I get from Riley Adam's description of George Bush is priceless. Hope you all are able to read the article image. I could always retype it but I'm lazy; click on it and it will get bigger. Enjoy!!

Here's the bit I find so picturesque: "Bush is breeding malcontent in this nation by continually strutting across the world stage with his sullen and arrogant attitude, trailed by his saturated right-wing values."

"...one in four adults read no books at all."

2007-09-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

How utterly depressing. This statement is taken from an NPR article about how women read more books than men, especially fiction. An Associated Press and IPSOS poll found that the typical American read only 4 books last year and 1 in 4 read no books at all. Is everyone reading blogs instead? If you're not a reader, you must not be reading this, right? Is it any wonder that students at a local community college don't know the meanings of words the teacher uses; words such as trepidation, for example. One theory about women reading fiction is we (women) have more sensitive "mirror" neurons (located behind the eyebrows...hmm, like a third eye?) and these neurons allow us to feel more empathetic towards characters in books or, I guess, more empathetic in general. Another theory is that girls are able to sit still more easily thus allowing them to read. As a bookseller I'm all for this trend to go away. Also as an avid reader. If publishers don't think any money can be made from a book then there might be fewer books on the shelves to choose from. Not a happy thought!

2007-09-20T07:43:00.001-07:00

Free Hugs

2007-09-13T07:11:00.001-07:00

Scott Bradford
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Hmmm, wonder if anyone took him up on this?

Consumer and Civil Rights Groups Reject Federal Report on Insurance Credit Scoring

2007-08-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Consumer and Civil Rights Groups Reject Federal Report on Insurance Credit Scoring

Fatally-Flawed Report Relies on Handpicked Data by Insurance Industry,
                Fails to Respond to Congressional Mandate

   WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives of
consumer and civil rights organizations today condemned a
congressionally-mandated report on insurance credit scoring by the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) as biased insurance industry propaganda. The groups
called for Congress to reject the defective study and ban the use of credit
scoring in insurance.
   Insurance credit scoring is the use by insurers of consumers' credit
reports for determining insurance eligibility and premiums. Unknown to most
consumers, insurers' use of consumer credit information has spread to
almost all insurers and is one of the most important factors in determining
how much a consumer pays for auto or homeowners insurance.
   Previous studies by the Missouri and Texas Departments of Insurance
have found that insurance scoring discriminates against low income and
minority consumers because of the racial and economic disparities inherent
in scoring. The Missouri study concluded that a consumer's race was the
single most predictive factor determining a consumer's insurance score and,
consequently, the consumer's insurance premium.
   Before the introduction of the credit scoring systems the insurance
industry had used other unsupported standards and stereotypes with a racial
proxy effect. After the major companies were sued for fair housing
violations and were forced to eliminate these practices, the industry
introduced a new practice -- credit-based insurance scoring -- that
consumer and civil rights groups see as re-introducing racial and ethnic
effects into the pricing of insurance.
   The relationship between insurance credit scores and race is so strong
that even though the FTC used data handpicked by the industry, it found
that credit scoring discriminates against low income and minority
consumers, and that insurance scoring was a proxy for race.
   Representatives of the Consumer Federation of America, the National
Fair Housing Alliance, the National Consumer Law Center, and the Center for
Economic Justice said the FTC study is fatally flawed because the insurance
industry controlled the data used in the analysis. Instead of requiring the
submission of comprehensive policy data by a large number of insurers, the
FTC used data handpicked by the insurance industry.
   "The FTC's approach to collecting data for the analysis is like the
federal government trying to do a study on the health impacts of tobacco
use with data selected by tobacco companies for the study," said Allen
Fishbein of the Consumer Federation of America. "By relying on handpicked
data, the insurance industry was unnecessarily given opportunity to control
the outcome of the study."
   The FTC study also confirms that, despite growing reliance on
credit-based insurance scores, scant evidence exists to prove there is a
meaningful connection between a consumer's score and auto insurance losses.
Without the need to demonstrate such a connection, insurers could use any
consumer characteristic, such as hair color, to price insurance products.
   "Despite finding no explanation for the alleged connection between
insurance scores and losses, the FTC report somehow concludes credit
scoring is valid and good for consumers. This is not an impartial analysis,
but simply advocacy for insurers," said Birny Birnbaum of the Center for
Economic Justice. Birnbaum, a former insurance regulator, has studied
insurance scoring for over 15 years.
   The groups also dismissed the report for failing to respond to the
Congressional mandate to examine the impacts of insurance credit scoring on
the availability and affordability of auto and homeowners insurance, and
for parroting insurance industry propaganda about insurance credit scoring.
Section 215 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003
required the Federal Reserve Board and the FTC to study the impact of
credit scoring on the availability and affordability of credit and
insurance and to determine whether credit scoring was truly related to
insurance losses or simply a proxy for race, income or other factors.
   "Incredibly, the FTC report downplays its own findings about the racial
impact of insurance scoring -- the primary question asked by Congress --
and emphasizes the allegedly 'predictive' nature of credit scoring," said
Chi Chi Wu, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. "It's
outrageous that the FTC says that 'credit scoring is good for consumers'
when it has a disparate impact on minorities. The FTC appears to believe
minorities aren't 'consumers' worth protecting."
   Buried in the report is the fact that the alleged correlation between
risk and credit-based insurance scores might be explained by other factors.
Instead of pursuing these other factors, the FTC employed subjective and
pejorative racial stereotypes to try to support the alleged link between
credit-based insurance scores and legitimate risk.
   "To add insult to injury, the FTC report mimics the insurance industry
blaming-the-victim psychobabble of claiming credit history is related to
responsibility and risk management. A look at the actual scoring models
shows that socio-economic factors have more impact on the score than loan
payment history and that an insurance credit score has little to do with
personal responsibility and everything to do with economic and racial
status," said Shanna L. Smith, president and CEO of the National Fair
Housing Alliance.
   The group calls on Congress to reject this flawed and biased study and
to tell the FTC to conduct an objective, independent study. In addition,
based on the available evidence of racial discrimination, Congress should
ban the use of insurance credit scoring.
   Center for Economic Justice is a Texas-based non-profit organization
that advocates on behalf of low income and minority consumers on insurance,
credit and utility issues.
   Consumer Federation of America is a nonprofit association of some 300
pro- consumer groups, with a combined membership of 50 million people. CFA
was founded in 1968 to advance consumers' interests through advocacy and
education.
   National Consumer Law Center is a non-profit organization specializing
in consumer issues on behalf of low-income people. NCLC recently released
Credit Scoring and Insurance: Costing Consumers Billions and Perpetuating
the Economic Racial Divide, available at http://www.consumerlaw.org.
   National Fair Housing Alliance is a consortium of more than 220
private, non-profit fair housing organizations, state and local civil
rights groups, and individuals from 37 states and the District of Columbia.
Headquartered in Washington, DC and founded in 1988, NFHA, through
comprehensive education, advocacy and enforcement programs, provides equal
access to housing for millions of people.

Retailmenot.com

2007-06-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

Most of you have probably heard or used bugmenot.com that great website that keeps one from having to create a login identity at various and sundry websites (usually newspapers, magazines) to read online articles. It works great. Well, it has a sister site, retailmenot.com. I had occasion to use it yesterday and got 20% off my order. That covered 95% of the shipping cost so I was thrilled. And, guess what? There are even promotional coupons for books. Nothing huge (that I've seen) but a 10% discount helps defray shipping or tax charges, eh? You can type in "books" or the name of an online bookseller (the big guys, i.e. Powell's, B&N, etc.) to find out what promo coupons are available.

A glimpse into the CIA's 'family jewels'

2007-06-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

I KNEW I wasn't imagining it. I KNEW there was a reason to be paranoid. Today's release of CIA files proves it. Have things changed since then? Umm, I hate to be cynical, but I doubt it.

The Associated Press - The Central Intelligence Agency released hundreds of pages of internal reports Tuesday detailing assassination plots against foreign leaders like Fidel Castro and the secret testing of mind-and-behavior altering drugs like LSD on unwitting U.S. citizens.

The documents also provided information on tapping journalists' phones, spying on demonstrators who supported civil rights or opposed the Vietnam War, opening private mail between the United States and the Soviet Union or China, and breaking into the homes of former CIA employees and others.

Inside the Central Intelligence Agency, the documents were referred to as the "skeletons." But another name quickly caught on and stuck: "Family jewels."

The 693 pages, mostly drawn from the memories of active CIA officers in 1973, were turned over at that time to three different investigative panels: President Gerald Ford's Rockefeller Commission, the Senate's Church Committee and the House's Pike Committee.

The panels spent years investigating and amplifying on these documents. And their public reports in the mid-1970s filled tens of thousands of pages. The scandal sullied the reputation of the intelligence community and led to new rules for the CIA, the FBI and other spy agencies and new permanent committees in Congress to oversee them....more

A book for book lovers...

2007-06-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

After reading The Queen Jade by Yxta Maya Murray I decided to read another of her books, The Conquest. It combines two interests of mine, early Americans (Mayans, Aztecs, etc.) and books, specifically book restoration. The book repairs the main character, Sara, did while she tried to figure out who actually wrote the book she was restoring sounded authentic. I enjoyed the premise of the tale and the magical realism that was part of the story. Sara is one obsessed bibliophile!

Majority of Republicans Doubt Theory of Evolution

2007-06-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

More Americans accept theory of creationism than evolution by Frank Newport - GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

a little light reading...

Chillin'

2007-06-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it's been a whole month since I last posted. I know. Some of you have been waiting with bated breath...yeah, right. What have I been up to? We visited Galveston, TX and the beach in April. Had a great time and we found an area where the beach was littered with hermit crabs. Kids enjoyed picking them up and naming them. I am SO glad no one insisted on bringing one or many home to die a slow death away from their friends and families!

Luckily, I've been doing a lot of reading (between watching the vines and vegetation grow several inches a day...it's no wonder the Mayan pyramids disappeared. I wonder how long it would take north Louisiana to disappear under the ubiquitous vines and Virginia creeper?). Have been picking blueberries too, one of my most favorite fruits. Back to reading...I'm thrilled to have discovered a new series of books that will take me the summer (at least) to read. The first of the series is The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie King. I'm surprised I've never read this series as I adore Sherlock Holmes especially as portrayed by Jeremy Brett. I guess I thought Ms. King just couldn't improve on the stories. All I can say is I'm so glad to have at least 7 more books to read!

I also just finished reading Tolkien's The Children of Hurin and really enjoyed it. Has prompted me to reread The Silmarillion. I read it long ago after the Rings trilogy and just couldn't get into it. Since Tolkien, according to his son, thought The Silmarillion his best book, who am I to argue? I also plan on having a Lord of the Rings movie watching extravaganza when the weather gets SO hot down here that you can barely move. I wish I were a less copious sweater (no, I'm not speaking of the knitted variety). I don't "dew." I fear I may drown in the Sea of Perspiration!

Today's news about the earthquake in Guatemala reminded me of another book I read recently, The Queen Jade by Yxta Maya Murray (interesting name combination, eh? Is she Mayan/Irish?). It was a good read and I liked the mother's endearment of "creature" for her daughter. Part of the story was set in Guatemala during and after an earthquake. Murray was quite descriptive of the suffering the Guatemalans endured. I hope to God/dess this earthquake was nothing like their last major earthquake in 1976 when 23,000 people died.

2007-05-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

If you feel like you need some external symbol of the turmoil and outrage you are feeling under this presidency, check out CarryaBigSticker.com. Surely you'll find whatever you need to express yourself here.

3 Famous Commas

2007-05-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

THE FATAL COMMA
Czarina Maria Fyodorovna once saved the life of a man by transposing a single comma in a warrant signed by her husband, Alexander III, which exiled a criminal to imprisonment and death in Siberia. On the bottom of the warrant the czar had written: `Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia.' The czarina changed the punctuation so that her husband's instructions read: `Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia.' The man was set free.

THE BLASPHEMOUS COMMA
In several editions of the King James Bible, Luke 23:32 is changed entirely by the absence of a comma. In the passage that describes the other men crucified with Christ, the erroneous editions read: `And there were also two other malefactors.' Instead of counting Christ as a malefactor, the passage should read: `And there were also two other, malefactors.'

THE MILLION-DOLLAR COMMA
The US government lost at least a million dollars through the slip of a comma. In the tariff act passed on June 6, 1872, a list of duty-free items included: `Fruit plants, tropical and semitropical'. A government clerk accidentally altered the line to read: `Fruit, plants tropical and semitropical'. Importers successfully contended that the passage, as written, exempted all tropical and semitropical plants from duty fees. This cost the US a fortune until May 9, 1874, when the passage was amended to plug the hole.

(courtesy Canongate Books)

ArtBreak

2007-04-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

This was ArtBreak's 23rd year here in the Shreveport area. 23 years of bringing together, in once place, the incredible art of children and young adults (through 12th grade). Awesome work. I am particularly fond of the elementary school art. The teachers don't have much time with the children and can only cover (at most schools) very basic techniques. Despite this, the children's innate abilities shine through; their use of color and design is something adult artists work hard to achieve. Notice how many children make art of their animal friends? (see Flicker images) Not to neglect books and reading, I've posted a couple of cute pieces (by future booksellers or librarians?).

Reading a novel - you inhale the experience

2007-04-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

What a great quote from Reading Lolita in Tehran: (courtesy of Biblio Bloggins)

“A novel is not an allegory. It is the sensual experience of another world. If you don’t enter that world, hold your breath with the characters and become involved in their destiny, you won’t be able to empathize, and empathy is at the heart of the novel. This is how you read a book: you inhale the experience.”

Field Maple Triolet

2007-04-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

by Liz Bassett

Thinking of you, I see a tree,
and open sky and birds and sun
inside my head.
My heart blows free
thinking of you.
I see a tree
and you are there, a rolling sea
of light-filled leaves; of love begun.
Thinking of you, I see a tree,
and open sky, and birds, and sun.

I love this poem!

How Cool! Bookplates Galore @ My Home Library

2007-04-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Once again I've found something totally unexpected while looking for something else (isn't the internet great sometimes?). I've just finished reading Pat O'Shea's The Hounds of the Morrigan and was researching her works, etc. because I really enjoyed this book and wished that she'd written other stories (alas, no, not that I can find). Anyhoo, I ran across the My Home Library site where artists have created lovely, original bookplate designs that can be downloaded. A simple design by Joan Aiken is shown above (wouldn't this look great on a t-shirt?). The book reviews section of My Home Library has recommendations and reading suggestions by young and older readers. The Hounds of Morrigan was 6th on a young reader's list of castaway books. I agree with Sorcha; it's a great read!

April 20 ~Birth of Detective Fiction Day~

2007-04-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Garrison Keillor's, The Writer's Almanac, reports that April 20th is the day that detective fiction was born. On this day in 1841, Edgar Allen Poe first published The Murders in the Rue Morgue. This wasn't the first mystery story; it was the first story where someone pieced together clues and made deductions using scientific reasoning. In searching for an image of Poe to use in this post I ran across a bookseller's copy of The Murders in the Rue Morgue and Other Stories with such a cool cover that I just had to post it. It's so colorful. I just wish I had the greenbacks to purchase it myself. Maybe it's just right for YOUR collection? (image property of E&C Books,Ltd.)

Tom Cruise in town

2007-04-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

The word on the street is that Tom Cruise is in town with his wife (hmm, what's her name? oh yeah, Katie) who will be starring with Diane Keaton (notice I know HER name) and Queen Latifah (and hers) in a movie being filmed here in S'port city. And, Tom and Katie will be living on my street (well, on my street but in a ritzier zip code). It would be interesting to see him in person. And, I'd really like to hear what Scientologists believe. Yesterday a 14-year old was telling me the basic tenets of Scientology. You know how kids are...I couldn't decide whether she was giving me HER version of the "religion" or what. If she was telling the truth, OMGoddess, they really believe we are the spawn of brothers from another planet? I'm not sure it's worth it but maybe I'll hunker down and actually read about Scientology. Also heard that James Earl Jones was going to be in town for the filming of another movie (don't know which one). I just love that man's voice! He came into our bookstore in Juneau, Alaska (Big City Books - alas, no longer in business) 15+ years ago and bought so many books we had to mail them to him. He's a man who enjoys reading!

Wordsworth Rap

2007-04-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud now has a rap version. I'm not a huge fan of rap but this is kinda cute. If you'd like to hear a more traditional version try Kymm Zuckert's reading. Quite enjoyable! Her reading is to be found at the LibriVox site whose goal is the "acoustical liberation of books in the public domain." Great resource for us aging baby boomers, that is, unless our hearing goes as well as our eyesight.

Tolkien Jr completes Lord of Rings

2007-03-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Tolkien's last unfinished book has been completed by his son. Begun in 1918 and revised several times, the tale was never completed by Tolkien before his death. Read the article from the Independent. HarperCollins is the publisher and the contents are being "jealously guarded." However, the Tolkien estate has released this synopsis: "The Children of Húrin takes the reader back to a time long before The Lord of the Rings, in an area of Middle-earth that was to be drowned before ever Hobbits appeared, and when the great enemy was still the fallen Vala, Morgoth, and Sauron only his lieutenant. This heroic romance is the tale of the Man, Húrin, who dared to defy Morgoth's force of evil, and his family's tragic destiny, as it follows his son Túrin Turambar's travails through the lost world of Beleriand."

$15,000 Sheet Set?

2007-03-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I never gave a thought to what the rich and famous slept on. If I had thought about it I might have figured they slept on the softest, most luxurious sheets that, perhaps, would cost a few hundred dollars (okay, maybe $1,000). Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a company would make and there would be a market for a set of $15,000 sheets. Don't mean to insult anyone but no one in their right mind would waste this much money on a set of sheets.

Wacky Library Rules

2007-03-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's me, but tonight when I visited my local library I got really hot under the collar. To use the computerized card catalog I had to enter my million digit library card number. This is a new policy at my local library. Used to be one could simply sit down at a terminal and look up books. No logging in, no big deal. Now, if one doesn't have a library card, one must apply for one or sign up for a guest pass in order to look up a damn book. And ID may be required to get a guest pass! Why in the world can we no longer browse anonymously at our local library? I can access the card catalog from home anonymously and only have to input my library card number if I want to check out a book. I think they've carried their computer security much too far. I ranted at the reference librarian about this new, stupid policy and, of course, she had no justification for the new method except that people were accessing the Internet in other ways at the computers designated to be used for card catalogs. So lock out all other access except for the catalog on a couple or three computers. Surely that's not impossible. It really irks me that people can no longer go into our library and look up books themselves without there being some sort of electronic trail. I wonder if our library system is one of those that would readily turn over patron records to whomever asked for them. Knowing this area and the people who work at the library, I tend to think they might. Sigh...I told the reference librarian we might as well have our library number tattooed on our arms. The first thing she thought of was the "mark of the beast" when I intended fascism to come to her mind. (maybe I'd best reread the prayer I posted on Sunday...)

Prayer for today

2007-03-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Lord, Make us servants of your peace; where there is hate, may we sow love; where there is hurt, may we forgive; where there is strife, may we make one. Where all is doubt, may we sow faith; where all is gloom, may we sow hope; where all is night, may we sow light; where all is tears, may we sow joy. Jesus, our Lord, may we not seek to be consoled, but to console, nor look to understanding hearts, but look for hearts to understand. May we not look for love's return, but seek to love unselfishly, for in our giving we receive, and in forgiving are forgiven. Dying, we live, and are reborn through death's dark night to endless day: Lord, make us servants of your peace, to wake at last in heaven's light.

based on a prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

Higher Risk of Brain Tumor for Cellphone Users

2007-03-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

No good news on the cell phone and cancer front. A group of scientists in Europe conducted a study to investigate the relationship between mobile phone use and risk of glioma cancer. The results of their analyses "do not provide consistent evidence for increased risk of glioma related to the use of mobile phones" for less than 10 years but they found an indication of increased risk for more than 10 years usage. To me, this does not bode well for our young people who often have mobile phones glued to their ears. I haven't read the study completely and don't know whether it addresses the various radiation levels of particular phones but, imho, it makes sense to use a mobile phone with the least amount of radiation. CNET has a good site for finding the radiation output of different cell phones. As you can probably imagine, some of the newest and most cool phones don't have the lowest SAR rating. Hopefully, using the speakerphone option or a headset will help. Good thing kids like to text so much, eh?

Loire Valley Fiction Conference - Ahhhh

2007-03-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

If only I could go (and if only I could write- this just might be the place to learn)...there's still space available to attend the University of Memphis writers' conference in the Loire Valley in France. Sixteen students will study in small groups with Richard Bausch, Charles Baxter, Ann Beattie, Bobbie Ann Mason, and Robert Stone. Application deadline April 1, 2007. Hope you can make it!

Books ARE love!

2007-03-07T12:19:00.001-08:00

Books are love!
Originally uploaded by janetmck.

Are You a Yankee or a Rebel? Take the test!

2007-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

This is a fun thing to do! Visit alphaDictionary.com to see. And, after you take part one there's an advanced test you can take. Also at this site is a cool online crossword puzzle. Don't know how often they change the puzzle (perhaps it changes when you complete the one you're working on). It's not the hardest thing in the world, since I was able to do a lot of it, but it is somewhat challenging. Hope y'all have fun!

Refdesk.com

2007-03-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

I love Stumbling! Today I ran across the Refdesk.com site. It's got just about everything one could use when looking for something. Just thought I'd pass along the link in case others of you haven't seen this resource yet.

Blessthischick.com

2007-02-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

Not book related in the least, Blessthischick.com, is a really cute use of flash (imho). I created a bookish chick and know some of you might find this a fun way to pass a few minutes. I'm not exactly sure what one is supposed to do with the resulting chick other than admire her.

Geo Greetings

2007-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

The web can be such a wonderful place...and I do mean full of wonder. I tripped over a site today where one can send "Geo Greetings". Maybe y'all have already seen this but I happily spent time creating different messages. One appropriate to this blog is found here. Have fun, kids!

Mardi Gras in Shreveport

2007-02-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been over 6 months since I posted to this blog. We went on vacation and all was well until our return trip...then it became the trip from hell. Add to this the demise of our beloved Fisher lovebird the day after our return, and I was depressed for weeks. Weeks melted into months and after a while I just couldn't get back into the bloggy thing. Not that anyone noticed (except joyce, bless her pea-pickin' heart). I hadn't been a very dedicated blogger but I had been enjoying finding bookish (and other) items of interest to share with folks.

After Saturday's Highland Mardi Gras parade here in Shreveport I decided it was time to break the hiatus and share photos of the event. When I was growing up in S'port city (a long time ago), Mardi Gras wasn't celebrated much in "way-up-north" (to paraphrase Justin Wilson) Louisiana. One had to visit "Sin City" (aka New Orleans, a bastion of Catholicism) to celebrate Mardi Gras.

That's no longer the case! I think North Louisiana has done a good job of catching up. The parades are great and the king cake from Julie Ann's Bakery is to die for (we actually bought their 11,000th cake on Tuesday...or so they said!). Maybe this year's parades were so much bigger 'cause people couldn't or wouldn't go to New Orleans or that there were more displaced New Orleanians around to add to the festivities. All I know is the Highland parade stretched on forever (well, almost) and a good time was had by most. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed being there, catching and throwing beads, cups, candy, gum, hot dogs, moon pies, and more. Our dog is STILL stopped up from eating so much candy (in the wrappers, mind you). We sure tried to keep her out of it. The Krewe of Barkus and Meowus even threw dog biscuits!

Mosquito Ring Tone - It's true!

2006-06-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Old people can't hear it, at least this old person can't. But when I turned the volume up it actually hurt my teen's ears! Want to take a listen yourself? The tone can be downloaded at NPR.org and there's an interesting article to read while you're not hearing anything.

Invisible Ink

On a completely different note I ran across another bookseller's website, Invisible Ink, where ghost and haunting books are the focus. There's info on ghostly tours to take, books on ghosts and hauntings the world over and frightening fiction. I particularly liked the FAQ section, question 11, "Why should I buy from you"? The owner, Chris Woodyard, is working on a 7,000+ item bibliography of non-fiction ghost books. He tells you what to look for if you think a house is haunted and says he has the ability to see buildings and architectural features that no longer exist (that could be a bit disconcerting!).

Shelf Awareness

2006-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, it's the day after the longest day of the year and those of us in the southern U.S. might relish the idea that the days are once again getting shorter (and, ultimately, cooler - someday). Not so if you live north of latitude 58 degrees. I remember feeling as if fall (aka winter) was on its way once that magic midsummer day had come and gone. After the fireweed finished blooming and began scattering its fluff, well, it was time to begin missing summer.

In my internet ramblings I've run across another informative site for bibliophiles, Shelf Awareness. This site provides daily enlightenment for the book trade, something we can all use...

Happy Solstice!

2006-06-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

BiblioTravel

2006-06-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

WoW! Yesterday was my day to discover some really cool places on the net. More librarians, Fiona Scannell and James Schellenberg, have created a site for "books that take you away". Their goal is to "provide a free online resource for identifying stories that are set in distinct locales." You can find a book by the usual author and title, and you can search by genre and setting of the story. So, here's a spot I can browse for those mysteries set in the Southwest U.S. that I enjoy reading (although there aren't that many listed yet but I suspect they are continually adding new entries.)

Landscapes of Crime

2006-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Once I start posting after a dry spell I seem to come across lots of things to post. Generally this is because I'm doing research on a particular subject using our wonderful FREE internet and stumble across so many interesting things. Like did you know that the word omniphagous doesn't seem to be in any dictionary yet is used quite often on various internet sites especially those discussing insects. Anyone know a dictionary where this word is listed?

I digress. The reason for this post is to share another mystery site that recommends mysteries set in particular locations, G.J. Demko's Landscapes of Crime. There is even a page for Florida and Louisiana mysteries. Not an extensive list, actually not a list at all, but some recommendations for books set in these locales. This site also has MAPS! of the number of mysteries set in particular states and countries (mysteries written in English). I guess if you're a writer and you see an underserved state or country you could do your part and write a mystery for that area.

Golden Gate Mysteries

2006-06-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

Over 1,200 mysteries set in the San Francisco area have been compiled by Randal Brandt, Brancroft Library curator. All these wonderful mysteries can be found here: Golden Gate Mysteries. I'm quite fond of mysteries set in the Southwest U.S. and bibliomysteries but I just may pick a few from this list to become better acquainted with this locale (I've always enjoyed Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone mysteries which are set in the San Francisco area). What a useful resource Randal has created! Perhaps another industrious soul will do this for mysteries set in the Southwest? Well, someone has. The folks at BiblioTravel!

2006-05-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

'Spanish American War' Tax Ends
but only for long distance - not local - service

As predicted, after losing a number of court battles, the IRS has decided to give up and stop charging long-distance customers a tax that stems back to the Spanish American war. Some in congress had considered at one point expanding the tax to cover broadband connections. Note that the repeal is only for long-distance service, this now named "excise tax" still exists for local phone service.

According to this release by the IRS, taxpayers can file for refunds for any tax paid after Feb. 28, 2003 on their 2006 returns. "So taxpayers won’t have to spend time digging through old telephone bills, we’re designing a straightforward process that taxpayers may use when they file their tax returns next year," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. "Claiming a refund will be simple and fair." (I wonder how much of a refund this will turn out to be. Enough to buy a couple or three books?)

*Thanks to the folks at dslreports.com for this article*

In Memory of...

2006-05-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

"To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source,
a tree without a root." Chinese proverb

The Check's in the Mail - 5/29/06 Newsweek article

2006-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

I don't normally read Newsweek but picked up this issue to read their take on Mary Magdalene (go, Mary, go!) It was an ok article with lots of good pictures but the article that really hit home was how the insurance companies are screwing homeowners in La. and Miss. and not paying claims (or paying very little). Perhaps we need socialized property insurance as well as health insurance. I mean, when it gets to the point that everybody knows how corrupt and dishonest insurance companies can be why can't some alternative be found? (anybody watched or read The Rainmaker lately?) I'm not sure I've met anyone who isn't at least a wee bit pessimistic about their insurance company (if they can afford insurance). It's almost a given that you will pay for insurance and the insurance company will deny or reduce your claim payment as much as possible. So, insurance companies don't cover flood damage. And now (so I've heard) they won't be covering hurricane damage. Is there a tornado exclusion? Earthquakes must not be covered, right? What IS covered? I've heard the old "acts of God" aren't covered. What else are there, may I ask?

In digging around on the net to find a link to the article I ran across what looks to be an interesting site with links to many magazine articles, Slate. Par for the couse that I find sites and links to sites I've never encountered when researching. This might be an endangered pastime if network neutrality isn't protected.

Godsey saved my blog!

2006-05-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

I know joyce is a modest soul but I have to report that even with all she has going on in her life right now (mothers, brothers and bird-killing cats) she took the time to repair and improve my blog format. A little knowledge in my hands (especially when it pertains to computers) often creates havoc (luckily I've never physically harmed or killed anyone with my stupidity). I thought I could spiff up my blog and when I was finished, it was too. Joyce saved the day and I am very grateful. I'm sending her some virtual plum wine. Hope you like this flavor, joyce. Cheers!

Moorish Girl Blog

2006-05-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Many of you bibliophiles have, more than likely, visited the Moorishgirl blog edited by Laila Lalami. It is well worth checking out. She is articulate and her insights are thought provoking.

To all Mom's - We wouldn't be here without you!

2006-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Mom, for every pea-pickin' thing. You were someone to emulate and I know you did your absolute best through all those trying times that, yours truly, put you through. You'd be pleased to know that now I know what a joy parenting can be as well as how frustrating. How loving and how painful. I always thought of myself as a patient person. Ha! No more. Sometimes as a parent I find out just how short my fuse is. I now understand those times you barricaded yourself in the bathroom, crying in what must have been frustration. And I thought you were just afraid to show your emotions. You probably wanted to kill me or were wishing I'd run away! How and why do we push our parent's buttons so well and so frequently? Sorry about that, Mom! You were the best!

Telephone Records are just the Tip of NSA's Iceberg

2006-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oh joy...it seems that the reasons for paranoia I felt during the 70s are resurfacing under Dubya's reign. I never liked having George Sr. as president. It seemed that an ex-CIA person just didn't belong in a position involving the protection of our personal liberties and freedoms. Nor was I convinced he was truly "EX"-CIA. And when his son forced his way into the Presidency, needless to say, it didn't make my day. And now, Dubya is doing what I thought was his father's agenda and making me wonder how many years it will take to rid ourselves of their tentacles. Color me blue.

GRAMMAR GODDESS :-)

2006-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

GRAMMAR GODDESS :-)
How handy. Someone to pose those niggling grammar questions to (darn dangling participles). I stumbled upon her blog and bet, now that I think of it, that there are other similar sites. I work at a small liberal arts college in the English Dept. and often get calls about how to say or do this or that with the English language (and other languages as well). Unless there happens to be professor available I dare not pretend to be an authority. Maybe I'll steer them in the Grammar Goddess's direction if they are computer savvy.
5/12/06 - I just noticed that the Goddess isn't in much so this might not be the best spot for one's grammar conundrums. Poked around a bit more on the web but haven't found the perfect spot yet. Will post a link if I do.

Anybody like contra dancing? (or what to do with yourself when not reading, buying or selling books)

2006-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, joyce, you're right. Nothing like a guilt trip to make one post to one's own blog!

I should be outside instead of hunkered down over a keyboard. It's glorious today here in north Louisiana. There is scant humidity, the sky is New Mexico or Montana blue and it's warm and breezy. I really hate that not too far away from here some folks in Texas and Oklahoma really got hammered with tornados but every time a storm passes this way I get down on my knees and pray to God/dess that the bad weather goes around Louisiana, specifically around my little neck of the woods. There's just been too darn much excitement around here in that department.

Back on track...one thing I wish there was more of (any for that matter) in this area is contra dancing. I got introduced to it in Juneau, AK and once I realized they weren't having Contra fundraisers (what an idiot) I found an incredibly wonderful pastime. Great exercise, fun and love that live music! If you get the chance to try it you just might find you agree with me!

Another good read - The Reindeer People

2006-05-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

I've found another good book to read, The Reindeer People by Piers Vitebsky. He's an anthropologist who studied and lived among some of the reindeer herding people in northern Russia. I enjoy his writing style and what's he's got to say about the people, the reindeer and their relationships. In looking for links to give you more info about this book I discovered that NPR did a story about Vitesbsky and his life among the reindeer people. Maybe that's why I picked this book to read. Thinking back I couldn't remember what piqued my interest but whatever it was I'm glad to have followed my nose. One wonders how global warming is affecting the reindeer/caribou and the people whose lives are tied to them.

The Hummingbird's Daughter

2006-04-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a posting at the Bibliophile Bullpen blog, I read The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea. What a great story! I had never heard of Teresita's existence and was happy to discover that she was a real person and that there are more accounts of her life to read. Thank you Mr. Urrea for writing about your ancestor.

I've got mysteries on the brain

2006-04-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today while looking for something else (par for the course) I found another great mystery site set up by the Waterboro Public Library located in East Waterboro, Maine. Look for great mystery book reviews, cataloguing and other mystery links they've provided. A very useful reference for us mystery lovers!

The Mystery Reader

2006-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

I must be full of piss and vinegar today. Two postings in one day! I just had to pass along this link about mystery books. They do a good job of listing and reviewing new (and some older) mysteries and rating them.

Wired for Books

2006-04-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ohio University has a great site, Wired for Books, with author interviews and readings of authors' works. There are so many good interviews and books to choose from it will be difficult to listen to them all! This site is well worth a listen!

Blogless (or is it Bloggless?)

2006-03-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

How Joyce at the bullpen does it I can't fathom. I just don't have much to say, I guess. Maybe that's a good thing... One thing I DO want to say is to tell you about the cool link at the Infocult blog-- about the Invisible Library.

Invisible books! What a space saver! They'd be light, no building foundation problems. Clean, wouldn't collect dust and book mold. But what would we do with all that bare wall space? And we'd have to have furniture to fill the rooms instead of books. Ah well. Living around book mold and dust is a good thing. The current thinking is exposure to dirt, cats, dogs, aka as allergens, makes for healthier children and adults (to an extent). I'm living proof of this having been raised surrounded by books (and their accompanying microscopic critters) and cats and dogs. The only thing that occasionally bothers me (allergen-wise) is all the pollen in the air (it's Spring!). But, I take quercetin for that. Works great. Take it whenever I feel the sniffles approaching.

(photo of grounds at Norton Art Gallery)

Mystery Scene Magazine

2006-03-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gee, where have I been? Discovered the site for Mystery Scene Magazine and note that it's in it's 20th year of being published! I'm a great fan of mystery novels (especially those set in the southwest) and this 'zine looks like it is well worth reading. Maybe you will agree with me.

Bonnie's Bookstore Game

2006-03-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

For those who enjoy playing a game now and then, here's one with a bookish bent. Unfortunately, it cannot yet be played online; one must download it and, gasp, ultimately purchase it. But, sometimes that's warranted if a game is enough fun. We'll see. I've yet to play it.

Update: tried it last night at the easiest level. It was easy and fun. I enjoyed the premise of the game. If the advanced levels are more difficult I think it will be a keeper.

Literary Quote for the Day

2006-03-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

"If I could live as a tree, as a river, as the moon, as the sun, as a star, as the earth, as a rock, I would...Writing permits me to experience life as any number of strange creations." ~ Alice Walker

Literary Quote for the Day

2006-03-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

"The answers you get from literature depend upon the questions you pose."~ Margaret Atwood

Uninsured pay the most at U.S. hospitals

2006-03-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? I ran across this article and it confirmed what I've discovered fairly recently. That YOU PAY MORE FOR DOCTOR'S VISITS IF YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE! Excuse me for shouting but, silly me, I thought that if a doctor's office didn't have to bill your insurance company or if, heaven forbid, you paid up front, on the day of your visit, you would actually pay LESS (there I go again) for your visit. Not so. It's mind boggling. This is just one more argument for socialized medicine. There are too many damn middlemen involved in the patient/doctor/hospital triad. Mr. Bush just can't understand it; no wealthy person can if they've never experienced being on the bottom of the socioeconomic heap. Do I feel better for having vented? Not really...sniff, sniff

2006-03-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in stories in French (and German) from old, never before published sources, then Centenary College of Louisiana, Tintamarre Editions, has just the books for you. There is even something for you English speakers, a bilingual French/English book (which I don't think is yet shown on the website). Stay tuned.

OOPS!

2006-03-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

Who does this remind you of?

Yesterday, while browsing The Penguin Thelwell I ran across this illustration. Perhaps Mr. Thelwell had in mind that the hunter's dog was going to help the duck that had been shot. My immediate thought, however, was the dog was getting the first aid kit to help the hunter's friend who had been shot. Just goes to show how jaded one becomes when dealing with things political.

Bookwrapcentral

2006-02-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Bibliophile Bullpen for the link to Bookwrapcentral.

I haven't listened to all the authors' interviews but those I jhave listened to, like WOW! This is a great way to promote their books. Not everybody can get to an author signing and the signings I've attended didn't allow much in the way of author/reader interaction. Can't wait to listen to each and every interview. Even for those books I'd probably never read.

KATRINARITA GRAS

2006-02-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is a cover that William Joyce was asked to do for the New Yorker. Unfortunately, it got bumped because Dick Cheney shot his friend instead of bird. Bill hopes his art and essay will be used to keep the story of Louisiana's troubles alive. I live in northern Louisiana and life here was disrupted very little by Katrinarita. But everyone who comes back from New Orleans says that words simply cannot describe the way things were and still are.

New Orleans has always been a one-of-a-kind place that millions of people have enjoyed. Not a perfect place but beautiful, elegant and prone to debauchery (the Puritans never got a firm toehold in New Orleans).

There are still 1000s of displaced south Louisianians. You've probably heard some of their stories. And this week NPR's All Things Considered is broadcasting from New Orleans and providing updates on some folks' stories. For those of you who have returned to New Orleans, South Louisiana and the Mississippi coast and are rebuilding your lives I wish you abundant strength and courage. You will need it. God/dess bless.

New Health Insurance Plan

2006-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

I know many booksellers can't afford much in the way of health insurance. Dave Berry has a plan that might be affordable. (taken from that lively publication, the AARP Bulletin)

Kinky Friedman Next Governor of Texas?

2006-02-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hey, I think I'd vote for him. Maybe if Texas doesn't want him he'd think about coming on over to Louisiana and giving it a try. This article has some interesting tidbits about Kinky.

Mardi Paw Parade

2006-02-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

Darn the cold weather! Missed the Mardi Paw parade held by the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux. You might enjoy reading about past parades and seeing pictures from this year's parade. Our dogs would not have minded the weather but we just couldn't get motivated to get out in the freezing temperatures and sleety conditions. They moved the parade site this year. I think it was probably even colder along the Red River than it would have been at A.C. Steere Park. Weatherwise we lucked out this time. No heavy ice-covered tree branches to knock out power and all important HEAT.

BRRRRRRRRRR.....

2006-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend it was quite cold and icy. Not like in the North, mind you, but cold for the South. At least 3 people died in car accidents over the weekend because of the icy roads.

I remember my first experience with ice on a road in rural Louisiana. Was driving a VW beetle. Husband says, "Slow down"! Well, I did and we ended up in the ditch. Not a deep ditch so there was no damage. We were just surprised. That was my first experience with learning how to NOT apply brakes when there is ice on the road. I was lucky; I lived through my learning experience unlike some. I now have many years of cold weather driving under my belt; experience gleaned in Alaska where I never ended up in a ditch.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is such a wonderful excuse to eat chocolate. I hope all who read this know how good for you chocolate is, especially DARK chocolate. Too bad it takes sugar (which ain't that great) to make it taste so good although I've found some lo-carb/sugar free chocolates to be excellent (though often more expensive).

2006-02-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

A little book/library humor...

Book Collecting Gene?

2006-02-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Dear ole Dad loved collecting books. He began his hobby in the 1940s. He'd go looking for science fiction books but would have to buy ALL of a person's books to get the ones he really wanted. He built up quite a collection and became very knowledgable about grading and value. He cataloged them all on 3x5 cards by author and subject. It was a labor of love; of collecting and handling and thumbing through each book. I know he didn't have time to read each and every one that passed through his hands. I think his love of books is imprinted in my DNA.

BUY DANISH (not the sweet rolls...)

2006-02-08T11:37:00.001-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you folks, but I just returned from the store with some Havarti cheese from Denmark. Next on my list are some Danish butter cookies. Tried buying some from the local Family Dollar - to my surprise they were made in Brazil. So, gotta be careful about that. Not that it's a bad thing to support the Brazilian economy but Denmark needs our help at the moment. This is a good link for Danish products that you can probably find here in the U.S. It was interesting to discover that Ecco shoes are Danish.
http://buydanish.home.comcast.net/products.htm

While browsing the web for products Danish I came across info about the Norwegian Forest cat. There is an NFC club and most of its 600 members are in Denmark. Here's a nice link for the club and the breed - lovely cats! http://www.norskskovkat.dk/

Amazing...

2006-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

What is it that people find so fascinating about blogging? I guess expressing oneself is the big draw. That's assuming you can type well. My significant other would never find this a successful way to communicate...he hunts and pecks at the keyboard. Plus, he thinks computers are out to get him. Perhaps they are. Speaking of typing, found the coolest learn-to-type place at BBC. If you want to practice your typing skills or have a youngster who needs to practice, check this link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/.